 2008-08-27 - Another Winner!
I fell in love with the first book of the series (No. 1 Ladie's Detective Agency) and its mellow heroine. So much so, that I've bought each succeeding book in the series as they were published. This one, like all the others, is simply a winner.
The little mysteries are engaging and how they are solved are always entertaining. But what makes me love them is that the heroine, a 'traditionally built woman' of Botswana is so in love with her country, its customs and the traditional values of goodness, decency and caring. She simply draws you in to a reflective and calming mood as she goes about her life and her work. You finish each book feeling entertained and feeling good about the world. The stories go down as good as the red tea the heroine loves to drink!
2008-08-16 - A Cozy Gossip Over Tea Cups
Were this any other writer and any other mystery series, this novel would earn a low rating for its slender plot. Hardly anything "happens". No new ground is broken, however, like all the previous books in this series, I found myself enchanted by the characters and the setting. Alexander McCall Smith writes with great charm about small things: a ruined bed, a series of threatening letters and information gleaned from gossip over numerous cups of bush tea.
Mwa Ramotswe helps a woman who is looking for her family. She tracks down the author of the threatening letters; the high speed chase with grocery carts is unique in literature. The author weaves his small minutiae into a mighty tapestry that is the mystery of Life. I can't say this is a good mystery but it comes close to great literature. I am reminded of the charming series by "Miss Read" which covered life in a small British village over a period of several decades. Hardly anything else can compare.
2008-08-14 - great book
I enjoy almost all of Alexander McCall Smith's books. I especially love the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series. although I love murder mysteries, this series very rarely deals with murders however the mysteries of human nature. Precious Ramotswe, the main character and owner of the Agency is delightful in her assessment of the character of others. Splendid reading.
2008-07-08 - Try the audio version
If you enjoy reading about the #1 Ladies detective agency, but would like to putter in the garden or house at the same time - or listen while commuting - try the audio version. They're even more hilarious than reading!
 2008-07-05 - Too slow and repetitive
I have enjoyed this series but this last book I found slow and rather boring. I still appreciate the nuggets of wisdom that eventually come to light as the story develops but overall I didn't enjoy this book much. I was getting so frustrated with the repetition... seemed like a third of the book was describing once again the white van, the large glasses, the traditionally built woman, and the landscape.
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